In a previous post, we saw that prolonged spiritual immaturity can indicate lack of salvation. In this post we’ll see another possible cause.
Why am I not Maturing as a Christian?
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:12-13)
Concluding his exhortation to chronically immature Christians, God does not tell them to:
- Listen more diligently (5:11)
- Learn more deeply (5:12)
- Discern more consistently in light of scripture (5:13-14)
These things are indicators of maturation, not motivators for maturation.
Instead he tells them to imitate those with great faith, like Abraham (6:13-20). What causes Christians to mature? Faith. What causes Christians to stagnate? Lack of faith.
We listen diligently when we believe in the importance of God and his word. We learn deeply when we believe in the fascinating glory of God. We discern more consistently in light of scripture when we believe God knows better than we do. Faith fuels maturation, which looks like listening, learning and discerning.
Discussion Starters
- Read Hebrews 5:11-6:20 together. What do you find most challenging, troubling or helpful in this passage?
- Read Hebrews 5:11-14. Who is the most mature Christian you know? Who have been the best Christian teachers in your life? How do you think they became so mature?
- Read “the basic principles” listed in 6:1-3. How well do you understand these things? How has your understanding of them progressed over the years?
- What are some practical ways we can become more skilled in the word based on verse 14?
- Read Hebrews 6:4-10. Does this teach that one can lose his or her salvation? Why or why not?
- Read Hebrews 6:11-12. How can we show “earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end” based on these verses?
- Read Hebrews 6:13-20. How can we imitate Abraham’s example in our lives? (Be as specific as you can.)
- Based on this whole passage, do you feel that you are maturing as a Christian? Why or why not?
- Have there been seasons in your life in which you’ve matured more rapidly than others?
- Take some time to pray together.
